Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Sports table football

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Publisher(s)
  
FISTF

Setup time
  
2-3 minutes

Age range
  
10 and up

Random chance
  
Low

Sports table football

Players
  
4 per playing team, 6 per squad

Playing time
  
2x15-minute periods, 1x 10-minute extra-time period

Sports table football is a sport based on the table top game of Subbuteo, and was first invented in 1929 by the Newfooty Company (Liverpool, dissolved) and in 1947 Subbuteo Sports Games (dissolved) was founded. Since 1992, the sport has been administered worldwide by the Federation of International Sports Table Football (FISTF). FISTF was the result of negotiations between FISA (Federation of International Subbuteo Associations) members and E(S)TF (European (Sport) Tablefootball Association) to unify sports table football (soccer) with one governing body. Competition is now organised under FISTF with strict organization rules listed in the FISTF handbook. WASPA is a players association and has simple organization rules for events to promote the sport/game, while the PTSA will be a circuit with price money.

Contents

Rules

The 3D model footballers are known as "figures", and their human operators are known as "players". Sports table football rules, based on the 1950s Subbuteo, 1960s ETF and 1970s FISA rules, are administered by FISTF. Significant changes where made in 1992, when FISTF became the world federation. All aspects of association football can be simulated by flicking the figures with the index or middle finger to play the plastic ball. It is possible to control the ball and play fast, slow, defensively or offensively. Throw-ins and free, penalty and corner kicks can be made. Shots on goal may be low or high, but must be under the crossbar and between the sidebars to score. Fouls may be committed. The goalkeeper figure (on a rod with a handle) is allowed to save shots and may deflect the ball to a corner kick, throw-in or back into the playing area. Many FIFA football playing rules are observed. Referees observe the FISTF rules for offside, confirming a goal, foul play, corner kicks, free kicks and throw-ins. If the attacking player touches the ball with his figure, play proceeds.

The only major difference between STF and football (soccer) is the shooting zone in front of each goal. The ball must enter the shooting zone able to score a legal goal. The pitch is divided into four equal quarters, normally 300 millimetres (12 in) each, but dimensions may vary (FISTF playing rules). When the entire ball crosses the shooting zone line, you may take a shoot at the goal; the defending players try to keep the ball out of the shooting area. The ball may be flicked (played) up to three consecutive times by the same figure, and it must be passed to approach the goal.

An offside may be forced by flicking a defensive figure away from the goal line, and the attacking player may call "tick" to indicate that he will flick his offside figure back onside (with two defending figures between him and the goal line). The defender then flicks, and play resumes. Offside is the same as in football.

FISTF - World governing body

The board of the international governing body, FISTF, is elected every four years at the FISTF Congress (last in 2013), usually held the day (Friday) before the World Championships (Saturday and Sunday). The first board was elected in 1992, although the first FISTF event was later hosted in September 1993 in Belgium. Upcoming election are held in September 2017 at the world championship in Paris (France).

FISTF - Board of Directors

The last election was held in Madrid, on 26 September 2013 at the congress Meeting. The BoD has seen several personal changes since then.

  • President Alan Collins  England (opted by the BoD after 2013)
  • General Secretary Joe Zammit Pavia  Malta (...)
  • Vice-President: Finance Fred Vulpes  Germany (voted 2013)
  • Vice-president: Sports department Eric Naszalyi  France (opted by the BoD 2016)
  • Vice-president: Marketing & Promotion Chris Tanner  Australia (opted by the BoD 2015)
  • Vice-president: Communication Directors Template:Vacant
  • Position not yet voted on the Congress (due 2017)
  • Vice-President: Asian Confederation ... Vacant ... (opted by the BoD 2015)
  • Vice-President: Americas Confederation Daniel Matos  Brazil (opted by the BoD 2015)
  • Vice-President: Europe Confederation ... (opted by the BoD ....)
  • Vice-President: Africa Confederation ... (opted by the BoD ....)
  • Vice-President: Disability Sport Massimo Bolognino  Italy (opted by the BoD 2014)

    • FISTF - Disciplinary and Fair Play Council

  • Head of Department - vacant

    • FISTF - World Ranking, Transfers & Database management

  • Head of Department: Frédéric Perdaens  Canada /  Belgium

    • FISTF - Webpage

  • Web Master/Social Daniel Lilley  England

    • FISTF - Honorable members

  • Honorary President Alan Collins  England
  • Honorary President Thossa Büssing  Germany

    • FISTF - Referees

    The Referees for a tournament are currently drawn from the pool of players. In the group stage of an event, inactive players are nominated to referee games. In the knockout stage, players eliminated from the group stage are nominated as referees. Referees are placed usually outside of their own qualifying group and away from team (club or national) mates or compatriots where possible. In familiar surroundings such as a club or in regions where sportsmanship is highly regarded, a referee is considered unnecessary for a match or practice match. In case both players agree, then no referee is necessary. Fair play is a major property inside the worldwide community.

    Sport table football playing equipment

    FISTF "homologates" certain playing equipment – i.e., agrees on its use in international and official Competition events. Playing figures on bases, pitches (cotton or artificial cloth simulating grass), goals and balls must all comply with standards and measurements and must be officially homologated from FISTF Board. Sports table football (also known worldwide as Subbuteo) equipment can be used, but many higher-level players prefer to use sturdier and more expensive sports equipment manufactured by a number of different specialist companies. Training equipment is now also available for better practicing the sport, as well as measuring tools.

    Sport table football Competitions

    FISTF sanctioned competitions are held in many of its member nations, featuring individual competitors divided into a variety of categories by age group and gender (Open, Veteran, U-19, U-15, U-12 and Ladies) as well as competitions for teams (Open, Veteran, U-19, U-15, U-12 and Ladies). All these categories are played during a World Championship weekend each year. A team (squad) consists of six players on the protocol of play, while four players of each opposite team are picked by the team coach (or captain) and written onto the protocol. The two reserve players remain, and only one of them is able to be exchanged during half-time on one of the four playing tables, in case of injury or tactical reasons. The FISTF World championship is held annually with a member Nation. The first FISTF main Championship (European) was held in Verviers (BEL) 1993 and the latest version was in Mons (BEL) 2016. The host nation for 2017 will be France. The 'Palais des Sports of Elancourt' (Elancourt ist just outside Paris) can take approx. 1000 spectators, and will be the perfect location for the event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of FISTF and 70th anniversary of the Subbuteo trade mark! France will be Host Nation for the third after 1994 and 2007. The 2018 and 2019 Host Nation has not yet been announced from the FISTF Board of Directors.

    The FISTF champions league 2010 (18th edition, Host TFC Matterburg from Austria) and the Europa League (Host Lazio Rom TSC, Italy were played for the first time in 2010). The FISTF Champions League (19th edition) and the Europa League 2011 (2nd edition) were hosted by Gruppo Calcio de Tavolo GLF Gorizia from Italia, which was played for the first time on Slovenian territory in 2011. Both events took place on 22./23. October 2011 (19th Edition). The FISTF Champions- and Europa League 2014 will be hosted in Frameries (Belgium), after the organizers in France (Issy-le-Molineaux) were not able to warrant the event and returned it to FISTF, to issue a new announcement (Jan–February 2014). Frameries (Belgium) will see also the edition in 2015. The 2016 (24th Edition) CL & EL will be in Rome (ITA). There are several Major, Grand Prix, International Open, Challenger and Satellite tournaments all over the world. National championships are organised by the national domestic Associations, such as individual and team competitions with promotion and relegation systems. Cup competitions (knock-out) are also played in several individual and team categories. Internationals between nations are also on the score board. Very often a three-country tournament is played, such as BEL-NED-GER, AUT-SUI-GER or the British championship (ENG-SCO-WAL-NIR). Brazil played in Budapest (2014) a three-country event with Austria and Hungary. To date the 4-country tournament in 1985 with four nations (ENG, SCO, WAL, and AUT) was the biggest of its kind. Every player has the chance to be nominated for international matches (caps) for his country.

    In 2011, World Amateur Subbuteo Players Association (WASPA) started to promote the game worldwide. At the beginning it was felt as a competition towards FISTF, but within 2014 FISTF and WASPA cooperated logically, because both are run by organizers and players. WASPA is there to unite people on the small basis, whereby FSITF has strict sporting and organization rules for events. WASPA tournaments are more easier and faster to organize for smaller clubs or Nations. The played games (results) are added to a WASPA World ranking list. Every FISTF member, or non-member country can organize WASPA tournaments and send results to the WASPA ranking list. This helps the emerging nations too promote the sport and is the primary way to start up a club or association. The entire development goes better for all Sports table football (Subbuteo) players and are sportively built-up to play one day at the FISTF world championship or become a host nation.

    FISTF and WASPA have a legal synergy effect for our sport, as well as for all manufacturers of playing equipment around the world.

    FISTF member nations 25

    Europe 19

  • Austria – EÖTV Erster Österreichischer Tischfußball Verband (joined 1994)
  • Belgium – FBFTS Federation Belge de Football Table Subbuteo, (joined 1993)
  • Czech Republic - CTSU Czech table Subbuteo Union, (joined 2016)
  • Denmark – DSBU Dansk Subbuteo Bordfodbold Union, (joined 1993)
  • England – ESA English Subbuteo Association, (joined 1993)
  • Finland – SUBU Suomen Pöytäjalkapalloyhdistys, (joined xxxx)
  • France – FFFTS Fédération Française de Football de Table Sport, (joined 1993)
  • Germany – DSTFB Deutscher Subbuteo Tischfußballbund, (joined 1993)
  • Greece – UHTF Union of Hellenic Table Football, (joined 1993)
  • Gibraltar – GTSA Gibraltar Table Soccer Association, (joined xxxx)
  • Italy – FISCT Federazione Italiana Sport Calcio da Tavolo, (joined 1993)
  • Malta – MTFSA Malta Table Football Sports Association, (joined 1993)
  • Netherlands – NSVB Nederlandse Subbuteo Voetbal Bond, (joined 1993)
  • Portugal – APS Associação Portuguesa de Subbuteo, (joined 1993)
  • Russia - RFTFS Russian Federation Table Football Subbuteo, (joined 2016)
  • Scotland – SSTFA Scottish Sports Table Football Association, (joined xxxx)
  • Spain – AFM Asociacion Española de Jugadores de Futbol de Mesa, (joined xxxx)
  • Switzerland – SSTV Schweizerischer Subbuteo-Tischfussball-Verband, (joined 1993)
  • Wales – WSTFA Welsh Sports Table Football Association, (joined xxxx)

    • South America and North America 3

  • Argentina – LAFM Liga Argentina de Fútbol de Mesa, (joined xxxx)
  • Brasil – CBFM Confederação Brasileira de Futebol de Mesa, (joined xxxx)
  • United States of America- ASA American Subbuteo Association (joined xxxx)

    • Asia 3

  • Australia – ATFA Australian Table Football Association, (joined 1994)
  • Japan – NOSKSJ Nihon Ohajiki Soccer Kyokai Subbuteo Japan, (joined 2012)
  • Singapore – TFAS Table Football Association of Singapore, (joined 201x)

    • FISTF Partner (or emerging) Nations 14

    Europe 5

  • Cyprus – CTFA Cypriot Table Football Association,
  • Hungary – HTFA – Hungarian Table Football Association
  • Northern Ireland – NITFA Northern Ireland Table Football Association,
  • Norway – NBFF Norges Bordfotball Forbund,
  • Republic Ireland – TFAI Table Football Association of Ireland,

    • South- and North America 3

  • Canada – CSTFA Canadian Sports Table Football Association,
  • Mexico – Association in preparation.
  • Chile – Association in preparation.

    • Asia 5

  • Israel – ISA Israel Subbuteo Association,
  • Malaysia – Hartamas Tigers Table Football Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Hong Kong – Information open.
  • Indonesia- Batavia Garudas Table Football Club, Indonesia
  • Iran – Iran Subbuteo Association, Teheran, Iran

    • Africa 1

  • South Africa – SATFA South African Table Football Association

    • FISTF Nations

  • Nations Participated at World championships – Redevelopment necessary:
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina (1996)
  • China (2006) - no update information.
  • Luxemburg (xxxx) and Bahamas (xxxx) (participated in FISA events)
  • Monaco (xxxx) participated as a Nation, but are again within the FFFT
  • Poland (2008) - no activities
  • Romania (2000) - new development process ongoing with WASPA events.
  • Nations in development:
  • Sweden - (WASPA tournaments)
  • Tunisia - in development.
  • Serbia – No development approaching.
  • Nations still missing in the world of sports table football:
  • Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Turkey, South Korea, New Zealand, Uruguay and many other nations as well.

    • FISTF Continental Associations

    The continental organizations are actually integrated within FISTF.

  • Asia
  • Africa
  • America North
  • America South
  • Europe

    • TIMELINE - Historical importance

  • 1925 - Table football/soccer invented from Mr. William Lane Keeling (born 1900-died 1976) for his children. The development began until the patent was able to be registered.
  • 1929 - Newfooty Company founded and invented table football / soccer material. The figures where flat Version with a plastic base and lead at the bottom of the base. The patent for Newfooty was registered.
  • 1934 - The 'Newfooty Players Association' (NPA) was founded. In England people could become member to participate in Leagues and cup competitions. It was the world's first "players association" organized by Newfooty Company. There was also a Newfooty player of the Year Trohpy. The Newfooty handbook "Libro Oficial" was also available in Spanish language with "Instrucciones y Reglamentos" for "Futbol de Mesa".
  • 1939 - The Newfooty Patent ran from 1929-1934, and a second period of 5 years from 1934-1939.
  • 1947 - Subbuteo Sports Games Ltd was founded from Mr. Peter Adolph. New material and flat cardboard figures came into sales.
  • 1948 - The first national association was founded in Belgium (FBFTS). Mr. Beliard becomes the first Belgium champion. The world has his first ever table football/soccer champion.
  • 1950 - Peter Adolph founds the 'Table Soccer Players Association' (TSPA) in England.
  • 1953 - Newfooty brings the first 3D plastic figurine into the market.
  • 1954 - The Dutch federation (NTVB) was founded in Haarlem (NED).
  • 1957 - Subbuteo Sports Games Ltd. take over rivals Newfooty Company from Liverpool. 1957/58 the first team championship was played in Belgium. Subbuteo Club Jemeppe became the first team champion.
  • 1960 - The first ever International match (National Teams) was played in Bruxelles (BEL) on 7 February 1960, between Belgium and the Netherlands. Belgium won! The foundation of an international federation was in line.
  • 1961 - The "Union Europeene de Subbuteo (UES)" was founded in Schiedam (NED) from Mr. Ling (NTVB), Mr Kroonberg (FBFTS) and Mr. Feuerlein (DSTFB). He was he first president of the DSTFB (GER), which was founded short before the creation of the UES/UNEFTA. The UES was the predecessor of the ETF.
  • 1963 - The motivation was set to found a real European table football/soccer federation, for all European countries. The 'European Table Soccer Federation' ETF / 'Union Europeene de Football de table' UNEFTA' was founded in 1963 (City: _?_) by the three active nations Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. The BTSA (British Table Soccer Association) was founded and invited, but showed no interest to join the ETF.
  • 1964 - The 1. ETF Europa Cup was played in Rotterdam (NL), which saw Mr.Marinus Schild became the first ever Internatiuonal Champion.
  • 1965 - BEL, NED, GER, ENG and FRA participated in Bruxelles at the ETF 2nd Edition. The first French player at the ETF Europa Cup was Mr.de Smet (FRA). The BTSA was changed into BSTSA with the S standing for Subbuteo. The programmed chaos began its fait.
  • 1967 - The British Subbuteo Table Soccer Association (BSTSA) was split up. into separate Independent associations, with free choice of material and not regulated by Subbuteo. The foundation of the English Table Soccer Association (ETSA), Scottish (STSA) and Welsh (WTSA) were based on democratic elections.
  • 1969 - Waddingtons SSG take over Subbuteo Sports Games. The SSTFB (later SSTV) was founded in Switzerland.
  • 1970 - The 1. Subbuteo World Cup was played in London (ENG).
  • 1975 - The Italian championships are organized. In March the 'Federatione Italian Calcio Miniatura Subbuteo' FICMS is founded. The FICMS is affiliated with the ETF, the European federation, where all materials are permitted. FICMS plays only with the 3D-Subbuteo figures and not with the flat traditional figures.
  • 1979 - FISA (Subbuteo company controlled) was founded as an alternative to ETF (democratic sports federation).
  • 1980 - The 1. FISA European Championship was played in Rome (ITA).
  • 1983 - The ETF Nations Cup made a comeback.
  • 1985 - The Europa Cup for club teams was born (in-official event). The Nations came closer.
  • 1987 - The FICMS was closed and the Associationi Italia Calcio in Miniatura Subbuteo (AICiMS) was founded. The name was changed, because it was necessary to remove the word "Federation" (replaced by "Association"), it was a bureaucratic issue, due to the relationship with 'Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano' (CONI). 'Curiously' the same problem arose again in 2013 in FISCT.
  • 1992 - FISTF was founded. Hasbro take over Waddingtons Sports Games Ltd.
  • 1993 - The 1. FISTF European Championship was played in Verviers (BEL). The 30th Edition of the ETF (ETSF) Europa Cup was played and ETF defunct in Farehem (ENG) with the democratic votes of the participating nations (ENG, WAL, SCO, MAL, AUT, GER, SUI, NED). Belgium did not participate. The FISTF Europa Cup for clubs had its first official edition played.
  • 1994 - The 1. FISTF World Championship was played in Paris(FRA) and the FISA Subbuteo World Cup was played for the first time outside Europe, in Chicago, (USA).
  • 1995 - Zeugo was introduced. The Emilio Parodi company (Genoa, ITA) created their own table football sets and material.
  • 1996 - FISA was defunct in London (ENG) after the last edition. Hasbro fails to supply good playing material for the world players. Many new manufacturers arise to supply good quality playing material.
  • 1998 - Global Sports Games (Lichtenstein) - the 'Toccer' figure was invented by Willy Hofmann (SUI).
  • 2000 - The FISTF World Masters was installed.
  • 2010 - The Europa Cup for clubs was rebranded into the FISTF Champions- and Europa League.
  • 2014 - 60 years of Sports table football in the Netherlands (NTVB).
  • 2017 - 70 Years Subbuteo trade mark. 25 Years FISTF!
  • 2018 - 70 Years FBFTS-Belgian Association.
  • 2019 - 50 Years SSTV-Swiss Association
  • 2022 - 30 Years FISTF!
  • 2023 - 50 Years EÖTV-Austrian Association. 60 Years DSTFB-German Association.
  • 2025 - 50 Years FISCT-Italian Association (formal FICMS and AICIMS)
  • 2029 - 100 Years of Sport table football. "From Newfooty to modern Sport Table football (soccer)"
  • Many other domestic Associations were founded around the globe. (see above FISTF members). The main problem is still the professional distribution of quality playing material and activity to promote sport table football and not a kids game.

    • FISTF - ETF - FISA - HALL of FAME

    In the Hall of fame the winners (2nd, 3rd and 4th place) are mentioned and being updated successively.

    FISA

  • FISA European Championship (Individual players, Open, Junior)
  • FISA European Championship (Team competition, 1xOpen and 2xjunior players)
  • FISA World Championship (Individual players, Open, Junior)

    • FISTF

  • FISTF European Championship (Individual players Open, U-19, U-15, Vet, Lad)
  • FISTF European Championship (National teams Open, U-19, U-15, Vet, Lad))
  • FISTF World Championship (Individual players Open, U-19, U-15, U-12, Vet, Lad)
  • FISTF World Championship (National teams Open, U-19, U-15, U-12, Vet, Lad)

    • ...

  • FISTF European – Europa Cup for Clubs (Open)
  • FISTF European – Champions League for Clubs (Open)
  • FISTF European – Europa League for Clubs (Open)

    • ...

  • FISTF Asian and Australian Championship
  • FISTF South American Championship
  • FISTF North American Championship
  • FISTF American Championship

    • ...

    ETF

  • ETF European Cup (Individual players, Open)
  • ETF European Nations Cup (National teams, Open)
  • ETF European Nations Cup (National teams, B-team) similar like a reserve team.
  • ETF European Nations Cup (National teams, Junior)

    • ...

  • FISTF - FISA - ETF National Team tournaments – Three (3) or four (4) country tournaments (events). Information data will follow.

    • FISA Subbuteo World Cup

    The 1994 FISA World Cup was the last edition under the Patronance of FISA (Waddingtons SG Ltd.). The organization was already well under way in 1992/1993 and the event was finally played, in Chicago. The real first FISTF World championship was played in Paris (Fra) 1994. In 1993, two European champions reigned (ETF and FISTF), 1994 two world champions reigned (FISA and FISTF) and in 1996 a FISA Subbuteo European Championship and the FISTF World Championship was played. After 1996 there were no more double events played and FISTF strengthened its position as the global federation.

    FISA Subbuteo European Championship

    The very first FISA European Subbuteo Championship in 1980 was played as a Team event, with 2 Senior and 1 junior Player. The nation winning the most individual matches, won the team match. A draw was also possible, if each team won an individual match and the third match would be a draw itself. The standing would be 1-1, as an example. Starting with 1984, it was played with the same structure as the FISA World Cup, containing one Senior and one Junior category. In 1996 another FISA Subbuteo European Championship event was organized, although FISTF had already been established in 1992. Several nations (Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Cyprus, Norway) were not invited or did not participate, and the reason is unclear. After 1993, with all nations joining FISTF, the ETF (ESTF 1992-93) became defunct in October 1993. Hasbro (took over Waddington Sports Games Ltd. with Subbuteo brand name in 1995/1996), tried to carry on by itself to organize a FISA event, with a limited number of players participating. The 1996 competition was therefore the very last organized by FISA (Hasbro). All matches played were 2x15min, with extra time of 2x5min in necessary, and 5x shots in the knock out phase.

    FISTF European Sports Table Football Championship - Individual

    FISTF started in 1993 with the European Championship and are mistakenly used in statistics as World Championships. 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1999 where European Championships, and not World Championships. The age changed from U-20 to U-19, U-16 to U-15 after 1999. The ages for the Veteran category started at 35 and was increased steadily to 40 years of age, and is now once again in process to go up to 45 years of age. The progress is from 2013 to 2018.

    FISTF World Sports Table Football Championship - Individual

    FISTF began in 1993 with a European Championship and are mistakenly used as World Championships in several publications, such as printed Tournament leaflets.

    FISTF World Sports Table Football Masters - Individual

    The World Masters was a FISTF tournament for the best 12 players of the year or Season. It was last played in 2008 after the FISTF Calendar was full of main tournaments. It was meant to promote the sport table football/soccer in different cities.

    FISTF European Sports Table Football Championship - National Team

    FISTF began in 1993 with a European Championship and are mistakenly used as World Championships in several publications, such as printed Tournament leaflets. 1993 (team event was not played), 1995, 1997 and 1999 where European Team Championships, and not World Team Championships.

    FISTF World Sports Table Football Championship - National Team

    FISTF began in 1994 with a World Championship for National Team, which was such a great success that over the years in all categories the Team event were introduced. FISTF is the only sport worldwide which has also U-12 World Champions in individual and in team events.

    FISTF Asian Sports Table Football Championship

    Under the authority of FISTF, the Asian Sport Table Football Confederation hosts a continental championship annually with individual, club team and national team categories.

    FISTF North & Central America Sports Table Football Championship

    Under the authority of FISTF, the North & Central America Sport Table Football Confederation hosts a continental championship annually with individual, club team and national team categories.

    FISTF South America Sports Table Football Championship

    Under the authority of FISTF, the South America Sport Table Football Confederation hosts a continental championship annually with individual, club team and national team categories. The FISTF South America Sports Table Football Championship began in 2010 in Argentina, where Brazil was the first guest Nation. The two main Nations (Argentina and Brazil) are doing well in STF development and in 2016 Chile joined as the third nation. Antofagasta (CHI) was the Host City 2016 and it was the premiere event outside Argentina and Brazil. The Host City for 2017 will be Santa Rosa de Calamuchita, Cordoba, Argentina.

    FISTF African Sports Table Football Championship

    Under the authority of FISTF, the African Sport Table Football Confederation hosts a continental championship annually with individual, club team and national team categories.

    ____

    ETF Europa Cup for Individual Players

  • Participating Nations where:
  • Founding nations: Belgium, Netherlands, Germany (all 1963)
  • Joined later: Great Britain BTSA (1965) and later split up, England ETSA (1969), Switzerland SSTV (1970), Malta MSTSA (1971), Austria EÖTV (1974), Scotland STSA(1974), Italy FICMS (1975), Gibraltar GTSA (1979), Wales WTSA (1979), France FFFT (1989) and sensationally Australia ATSA(1991). Which was then an indicator for the upcoming FISTF as the new world federation.

    • The ETF founded in 1963, defunct after the 30th Edition of the Europa Cup in 1993. It was a strong and stable association and the base for the merger of ETF Nations (associations) and FISA Nations (associations), to form and built FISTF. Some countries had two (2) table football/soccer/Subbuteo associations each affiliated to ETF or FISA. That took time to melt together. The main problems where the playing rules and equipment manufactured. FISTF made a new start to melt all players into one democratic global federation, with sport rules and material with several manufacturers offering sports equipment. The development of FISTF is ongoing and more Nations around the Globe are joining. All ETF matches played 2x20min., a.e.t.=after extra time with 2x10min, if necessary 1x10min. golden goal decision or 5x shots (in football known as penalty). Corrections: Willi Hogeweg was German, and not Dutch. Kurt Erb won the 1980 Europa Cup in Uddingston (SCO), and not his brother Peter Erb. Both mistakes corrected, which were previously mentioned. Tonio Montesin (Malta) was the finalist in the 1993 ESTF Cup final, and not John Barrons (NIL)! Important to mention is that Mike Dent is Scottish, while playing for England in 1976.

    ETF Nations Cup for National Teams

    The season 1966/67, 1967/68 and 1968/69 also saw the ETF Nations Cup for National B-Teams and Junior Teams. The three ETF Members Belgium, Netherlands and Germany participated. England, the fourth ETF Member did not participate. In the 1960s 2 points were given for win and 1 point for a draw, that's why a high score of 8–0 was possible, which meant a 4–0 win in today's result system. Starting with the 1983 ETF Nations Cup, the one (1) point system was introduced for an individual win and for a draw non-points were given to both teams. A team consisted of four (4) Players. All ETF Matches were played 2x20min. In knock-out Stages, an 'after extra time' (a.e.t.) with 2x10min was applied if the match had a draw result. In case there was no winner, the 'golden goal' had to be scored in a 1x10min period. If no winner came up, the 5 shot system was used. The 5 shot system is practically the penalty shooting in real football/soccer.

    FISA & ETF Europa Cup for Club Teams 1985 - 1993

    On the weekend of 7 & 8 September 1985 (Season 85/86), SPA (Belgium), the first Club Team Europa Cup was played (official and approved by FISA / Info football de table international (FRA)). In the honor of the fine Paul Outmanns (Belgium) who was a great player and organizer, the Coupe par equipe d’Europe was named 'Trophy Paul Outmanns'. This European Cup can be considered the first ever team event for club teams. At the 1st edition in Spa (BEL), Clubs participated from Belgium (ETF), France (FISA), Germany (ETF) and the Netherlands (ETF). Italian clubs (FISA) participated at the 2nd edition. The 2nd edition in Aubervilliers (FRA) was played on the weekend 9 & 10 January 1988 (Season 87/88) with 4 countries, France, Belgium, Italy and Germany. The 3rd edition in Oldham (ENG) on 4 & 5 August 1990 (Season 89/90) with 7 countries, France, Belgium, Italy, Wales, England and Netherlands. The 7th nation is not yet known. The editions in 1985/86 and 1987/88 were an initiative by the clubs and players (FISA & ETF), as well as the FBFTS  Belgium and FFFT  France. The edition in 1989/90 was organized by FISA personal. The Europa Cup for ((Club Teams)) of Sport Table Football was finally born. The club Teams consisted of three players each. The club winning the most of the three matches wins. The playing time was 2x20 minutes (ETF) with three (3) players (FISA) per team. The single win per player counted 1 point, the draw 0 points for each team and the loss 0 points, and therefore it was often important, to have a good goal difference scored from the three individual matches. Clubs participated from FISA and ETF countries, and this Club Europa Cup began too emerge steadily. It was the beginning, when the flicking nations came slowly step by step together. Talks and meetings, ideas and projects came up to get the table football community merged. The BIG Ignition sparkled!

    FISTF Europa Cup, Champions- and Europa League statistics

    Overview per winning club.

    Winners per club - Europa Cup, Champions- and Europa League

    Overview per winning nation.

    Winners per Nation - Europa Cup, Champions- and Europa League

    * Europa Cup 1985 - 1993 (3 Editions)

  • Belgium 2
  • France 1

    • * FISTF Europa Cup 1993 - 2006 (17 editions)

  • Italy 8
  • Belgium 5
  • Austria 3
  • Portugal 1

    • * FISTF Champions League 2010 - 2016 (7 Editions)

  • Italy 7
  • No other Nation could win the CL yet.

    • * FISTF Europa League 2010 - 2016 (7 Editions)

  • Italy 3
  • Greece 2
  • Austria 1
  • Malta 1

    • FISTF - FISA - ETF - 3 or 4 Country Tournament

    The 3 or 4 country tournaments for National Teams are played irregular on invitation and the Nations play each other once or twice, too create a league table. It was common that  Austria,  Germany and   Switzerland //  Belgium,  Germany and  Netherlands played these events. The British Championship with  England,  Scotland,  Wales and  Northern Ireland were also played irregular within ETF and FISA. Possibly that  Spain,  Portugal, and  Gibraltar played such a 3 country tournament as well. It is common that Nations play international friendly games when possible and within ETF it was a main sports event with the A-Team, B-Team and Juniors. Today, International tournaments are used, to play 'internationals' between Nations. Mainly the Open and Veteran category are played. FISTF has a registration form to agree on a match. We will update this passage with more information.

    Statistics 3 or 4 country tournament Winners

  •  Austria 5
  •  Germany 3
  •  Netherlands 2
  •   Switzerland 1
  •  Belgium 1
  •  England 1

    • |-

    ETF British Home Championship

    The 13th edition was played in 1986. The informations are mentioned in the Table Soccer Review of the ETSA. Mainly England, Scotland and Wales participated. No information was found about Eire! In 1976, England won there 5th Home Championship, so the Edition numbers need corrections. Research goes on through old copies of the "The blue" magazine. England won the first seven editions. Wales humbled England in 1981. 1982-1986 England won again five editions in a row. The 14th edition has not been found yet.

    WASPA

    The "World Amateur Subbuteo Players Association" (founded 2011 from Mr. Vincent Coppenolle  Belgium) is an alternative circuit of tournaments for sport table football (Subbuteo) players and clubs from around the world. It is free and it is all about playing the beautiful game! Players from over 44 different nations have already participated or joined. The advantage for all players is the possibility to develop, start-up and prepare for FISTF events. The synergy effect is fantastic. FISTF receives many new contacts throughout the STF world community and vice versa. The WASPA is a kind of "2nd Tier" for STF emerging players and nations. The top players should rather participate in the FISTF events and let emerging players develop slow.

  • Philosophy

    • The philosophy of WASPA is to promote unity between all amateur sport table football (Subbuteo) players in the world, to organize tournaments and meetings between players at regional, national and international level. There is also the WASPA world ranking where STF events will be added. Players of every country should have the same importance. There should not be difference between players in or outside Europe. Players from small nations should have the same rights and duties as those from bigger countries.

  • Playing rules (or codes) of the STF game

    • The WASPA events are played with the same rules of the game as in FISTF tournaments. There is a handbook released with all tournaments regulations. Some tournaments can be played with the "ETF rules", with the "Advanced rules" and with the "Finnish rules". Organizers can also decide to organize tournaments where "Subbuteo" or alternative material only is allowed or to b used. The flexibility makes it interesting and motivates the players to participate. Historically the different "playing codes" appeared due to non-unity in the 1970-80s, as well as different interpretation of the sport (game) in different European cultures. FISTF stopped the different approaches of playing rules and unified the sport playing rules in 1992/1993.

  • Different types of tournaments

    • National Cup Challenge Every country can host a "National Cup Challenge". The winner of the tournament will be called "National Cup holder". There are some specific rules for these tournaments. You can see the details in the WASPA Handbook.

  • The regional tournaments

    • Regional tournaments can be played in the premises of clubs and will have the vocation to get players from the same area together. The tournament should be played in a public place, which means spectators are free to attend the tournament. Low standards of organization will be requested.

  • The promotional tournaments

    • Rules are very similar to the regional tournaments but there are restrictions: every player is free to take part in a promotional tournament but only players who are "not" in the top 50 in the last WASPA ranking are allowed to take part. 2 wild cards are possible for players not ranked in the top 25 and who have not won a Regional tournament in the last 12 months. To be noted that you only need 3 players to homologate a tournament under WASPA banner.

  • Who can organize WASPA tournaments?

    • Every club is free to organize up to 2 tournaments every month: one Regional tournament and one other event (promotional tournament, or a tournament with a different set of rules).

  • Historical event data with WASPA are issued.
  • National associations with archives and also collectors.
  • Table football Publications, magazines and newsletters from several member associations.

    • PTSA

    The "Professional Table Soccer Association" is the alternative competition circuit which will focus on more professional standards of Sports Table Football/soccer (STF) for sport promotion, including a 'Pro Tour', prize money (cash) and TV Coverage. The foundation was in England 2015.

    The PTSA will be financed through sponsorship cooperation with companies and suppliers of the sports table football/soccer material. The price money values are not yet known for the single events.

    The PTSA have announced an 8 player Premier League commencing in November 2017 with a prize pool of €1000.

    Sports table football - Unions, Associations & Federations

    Here is an ultimate list of founded Unions, Associations & Federations. FISTF Member countries are not mentioned.

  • 1934 - NPA - the 'Newfooty Players Association' was founded in England from William Lane Keeling (ENG). Dissolved year not known.
  • 1950 - TSPA - The 'Table Soccer Players Association' was founded in England from Peter Adolph (Subbuteo SSG). Dissolved year possible 1961-63, when the UES, then ETF was in preparation.
  • 1961 - UES - The "Union Europeene de Subbuteo (UES)" was founded in Schiedam (NED) from Mr. Ling (NTVB), Mr. Kroonberg (FBFTS) and Mr. Feuerlein (DSTFB). Also named as UES/UNEFTA. The UES (1961-1963) was the predecessor of the ETF.
  • 1963 - ETF - the 'European Tablesoccer Federation' was founded in ...... by the founding Association members, (NTVB), (FBFTS) and (DSTFB).(named ESTF in 1992-1993).
  • 1979 - FISA - the 'Federation International Subbuteo Associations' was founded in England (GB) by Waddingtons Sports Games Ltd.
  • 1992 - FISTF - The 'Federation of International Sports Table Football' was founded in Paris, France from Laurant Garnier (FRA).
  • 2011 - WASPA - The 'World Amateur Subbuteo Players Association' was founded in Tournai, Belgium from Vincent Coppenolle and is an alternative circuit of tournaments around the world.
  • 2015 - PTSA - The 'Professional Table Soccer Association' was founded in England from Daniel Lilley (ENG), to promote with a professional concept sport table football/soccer.

    • References

    Sports table football Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA


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